#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2021-11-25

Going beyond circular limitations

The sustainability discussion centred around plastics and petroleum-based raw materials has launched critical considerations of the resources and materials used in all industries and affecting all stages of the value chain. It quickly became clear that the goal of sustainability cannot be achieved through one single initiative, but requires long-term commitment, and that only close cooperation between all parties involved is the basis for making this commitment sustainably successful.

Strong partnership for efficient recycling concepts

Sandler and National Sweden, global supplier of polymer solutions, are cooperating closely to advance their sustainability strategies and creating closed cycles for polyester materials in automotive applications.

In the field of technical textiles, synthetic fibres such as polyester are widely used. Owing to modern recycling technologies this resource is already available as a recycled raw material today – in the form of fibres as well as granules. Why not also send materials made from polyester to be recycled again and keep valuable resources in the cycle longer?

Sandler and National Sweden made this creation of closed cycles with nonwovens for automotive applications their task. Through the integration of modern recycling concepts trims from processing are being reprocessed and used as raw materials for the manufacture of new products. Owing to the strong partnership and the commitment of both companies to take on additional logistics efforts, a completely closed material cycle is created, using valuable raw materials longer, reducing waste and decreasing the need to use virgin resources.

Find out what role nonwovens play in this process and what recycling has to do with granny’s cookie dough:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhVMrFZyEnY

With this initiative, Sandler expands its comprehensive sustainability campaign #sandlerpuzzle. This project forms a further piece of the puzzle, complementing an ever-growing picture of alternative product solutions for a sustainable future.

Sandler turns financial stability into a catalyst for shaping the future

The Sandler Group has presented its financial figures for the past fiscal year (01/01/2025-12/31/2025). Like previous years, the year 2025 was also marked by industry-wide structural challenges and geopolitical uncertainties. Turnover was virtually stable at EUR 321 million (2024: EUR 326 million). High energy costs continue to weigh heavily on profitability. The number of employees was 975 (2024: 980). The family-owned company, which was founded in 1879 and has been run by the fifth generation since August 2025, continues to invest millions in its Schwarzenbach site despite the high production costs in Germany. As part of the long-term corporate strategy, the management team is focusing on strict cost management, further development of the product portfolio, and greater efficiency in production and administrative processes. The company does not expect a market recovery in 2026 and 2027.

Sandler AG & Phoenix Non Woven—new partnership, new opportunities

Sandler AG invests in wet-laid technology to strengthen its innovation pipeline and broaden market reach. Schwarzenbach an der Saale, Germany, July 24, 2025. Sandler AG, a global leader in nonwoven textiles, has acquired a 24.9% stake in Phoenix Non Woven GmbH & Co. KG, a pioneering company based in Lenningen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Phoenix emerged as an innovative spin-off from the former Scheufelen paper factory and specializes in the production of high-performance nonwovens using wet-laid technology.

Philipp Ebbinghaus appointed as the new CEO at Sandler AG

At its meeting yesterday, the Supervisory Board of Sandler AG made significant decisions regarding the company’s future leadership. Effective August 1, 2025, Philipp Ebbinghaus (40), currently CFO, will assume the role of CEO of Sandler AG. As the nephew of the current CEO, Dr. Christian Heinrich Sandler, he represents the fifth generation of the founding family to lead the company.

Sandler Gruppe launches finexus® brand: Sustainable nonwovens for molded parts in vehicles

finexus® - the solution for sound insulation, thermal insulation, and sustainability in vehicles. These nonwovens prove themselves in a variety of molded part applications in the mobility sector. In interior or exterior applications of passenger and commercial vehicles, the single-polymer material finexus® offers what was previously implemented using multilayer structures. From underbody to headliner and from wheel arch liner to trunk liner; with conventional drives or in electromobility.

ANDRITZ sets focus on textile recycling and durable nonwoven production technologies at ITMA Asia 2025

International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 in Singapore, from October 28 to 31, 2025 (Hall 2, D106). ANDRITZ will showcase its MMCF production plants, textile sorting and recycling, bast fiber processing, needlepunch, airlay, and life-cycle service technologies, with a focus on sustainable solutions. Discover how these innovations can grow your business opportunities and support a greener future.

OUTLOOK™ 2025: Charting a sustainable and innovative future for the Nonwovens Industry

EDANA concluded its flagship event, OUTLOOK™ 2025, last week, marking it as a major success and addressing the biggest questions facing the industry. The three-day conference highlighted the urgent need for a unified approach to sustainability, regulation, and innovation in the absorbent hygiene and wipes sectors.

Global Nonwovens Alliance unveils Inaugural Board, advancing collaboration and growth worldwide

The Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA), a tax-exempt federation jointly founded by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the Voice of Nonwovens, announces the appointment of its founding Board of Directors. This group of leaders represents some of the most influential executives across the nonwovens value chain and reflects GNA’s mission to foster global collaboration, innovation, and growth in the industry.

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.